The library of Waseda University (早稲田大学図書館; Waseda Daigaku Toshokan) is one of the largest libraries in Japan. It was established in 1882, and currently holds some 4.5 million volumes and 46,000 serials.
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The Waseda University Library (早稲田大学図書館; Waseda Daigaku Toshokan) was originally established at the time of the founding of the University in 1882 (at that time called 東京専門学校; Tokyo Senmon Gakkou). Its current Central Library building was opened in 1991, commemorating the University's centennial. All together the university has 29 libraries: the Central Library, four Campus Libraries, and school libraries or reading rooms for students, attached to each school and institute. These libraries are said to hold 4.5 million books.
The Waseda University Library also possesses a unique collection which survived the Bombing of Tokyo in World War II unlike many of its counterparts. It possesses some items which even the National Diet Library does not have. Because of this, its collection is an important resource in the study of pre-war Japanese history and literature.
The library is divided into a central library and four branch libraries, one at each campus. These branch libraries are the S. Takata Memorial Research Library, the Library of Science and Engineering, the Toyama Library, and the Tokorozawa Library.
The Waseda University Library owns a large number of materials of eminent cultural value. Alongside the two items designated as National Treasures and five sets (187 items) as Important Cultural Assets, are manuscripts, rare books, calligraphy, handwritten strips of poems, archival materials related to Japanese history, and several special collections named after their donators, among others. Because of their rarity, access to such materials is usually limited, except for special exhibitions.
Among Waseda University Library's many unique collections are the following:
Outside of the library system, Waseda University also has museums including the Waseda Theatre Museum, which contains its own collection.
The Waseda University Library system limits access to students, faculty and research fellows. However students from some foreign universities may be able to apply for privileged access if Waseda University has signed an agreement with that university. For example, on May 30, 2002, Professor Michitaro Urukawa, director of Waseda University Library, and Columbia University librarian James G. Neal signed such a memorandum that outlines an agreement between the two libraries to cooperate in the exchange of materials, information access, Interlibrary loan and staff exchanges. Waseda University has also signed a similar agreement with the University of Maryland, College Park.